Travelling with your furry family member? Here’s a detailed guide to flying with your dog or cat on Akasa Air — based on their “Pets on Akasa” service and recent policy updates.
1. Overview & Eligibility
- The service is available for domesticated dogs and cats on Akasa’s domestic flights.
- As of the latest update: you can carry up to two pets in the cabin (with you) on a flight — a change from earlier limits.
- The weight limit for pets travelling in the cabin (including the carrier) has recently been increased from 7 kg to 10 kg.
- Pets exceeding the cabin weight limit are allowed in the cargo / hold under the airline’s pet-travel policy — again subject to weight, carrier size, destination etc.
2. Booking & Pre-Flight Requirements
2.1 Contact the airline and availability
- Before or while booking your ticket, you must confirm with Akasa that pet carriage is available on the flight you plan. Availability is limited and subject to first-come first-served.
- Provide details: your route, pet’s breed/weight, carrier size etc for approval.
2.2 Time-lines & documents
- Make sure you request the pet service in advance. Recent updates indicate bookings can be made at least 24 hours ahead of departure.
- Required documents typically include:
- Valid vaccination certificate (including rabies) for your pet.
- A health/fit-to-fly certificate from a registered vet.
- An indemnity/disclaimer form from the airline (Akasa provides their own).
- Ensure your pet’s carrier meets the airline’s size/ventilation requirements (check Akasa’s specifics).
- Sign the indemnity form: by doing so you acknowledge risks and follow the airline’s rules.
3. Weight Limits & Carrier Placement
- In-cabin travel: Pet + carrier weight must be up to 10 kg (after the May 2024 update).
- Cargo/hold travel: For pets with higher weight (e.g., 7 kg-32 kg or more) the service is via cargo/checked pet travel. Typical charges apply.
- Your pet must stay in the carrier during flight if in cabin, and follow all crew/in-flight instructions.
4. At the Airport & Onboard
- Arrive somewhat early to complete check-in formalities for yourself and your pet.
- At the airport you’ll go through standard security, and show the carrier for screening.
- If your pet is travelling in the cabin: you’ll usually be assigned a window seat (or seat arrangement per the airline’s pet service rules) so the pet is beside you.
- Your pet must remain in the carrier unless otherwise instructed by the crew. No removal or roaming in cabin.
5. Costs & Service Perks
- The cost for taking your pet in the cabin or cargo is extra, above and beyond your own ticket. For example: one report says the one-way cost for a cabin pet on Akasa was around ₹ 4,000 upwards.
- Some perks for pet travellers on Akasa:
- Priority check-in when travelling with a pet.
- Priority boarding and/or baggage handling.
- Pre-booked window-seat for the passenger travelling with the pet.
6. Tips & Things to Know
- Because availability is limited, book early and get confirmation from the airline that your pet is accepted on that flight.
- Make sure your pet is comfortable in the carrier ahead of travel—help reduce stress by letting them familiarise with the crate.
- Ensure all paperwork is current: vaccinations, health certificate, carrier specs, indemnity form.
- Check your route and aircraft type; ask the airline about whether pets are allowed in cabin for that specific flight.
- If flying via cargo/hold (for heavier pets) check how the pet will be handled, and what container/ventilation/temperature rules apply.
- Behaviour of co-passengers and cabin layout may matter: you’re assigned a suitable seat to minimise disturbance or discomfort to others.
- Confirm costs ahead—know how much the pet carriage will cost, what size carrier is allowed, and any extra restrictions (breed, age of pet, etc).
- If your pet is a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, check policy and risk factors with the airline and your vet.
For more information visit this page on Akasa Air website.
